The Ogbomoso Zonal Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) hosted its 2025 International Youth Day commemoration at the Ogbomoso Recreation Club, rallying youths and stakeholders around the theme: “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond.”
The week-long activities featured media engagements, community development service, novelty matches, interfaith prayers, and a grand lecture and award presentation that brought together academics, professionals, and community leaders. The event was designed not only to celebrate young people but to emphasize their critical role in driving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within Nigeria and across the world.
Panelists at the main lecture session included Dr. Ayoola Afolabi, Dr. Ogunbode O.T of LAUTECH, Prince Atolagbe of NSCDC, Mr. Aremu Abdulafeez (CEO, Cresdig Innovation Hub), and Dr. Wale Aremu, who shared insights on how Nigerian youths can lead the charge in building sustainable communities.
A major highlight came from Mr. Aremu Abdulafeez, the CEO of Cresdig Innovation Hub, who passionately emphasized the need for education beyond the four walls of universities. According to him, vocational and technology-based skills provide a realistic path to achieving most of the SDGs while also steering youths away from crime and societal vices.
“Education beyond the four walls of the university is a great headway to achieving most parts of the SDGs and securing financial freedom away from crime and societal vices,” Aremu noted during his panel presentation.
Speaking further in an interview with Recap Media Crew, Mr. Aremu explained his personal motivation, stating that his decision to relocate back to Ogbomoso to establish Cresdig Innovation Hub was rooted in his patriotic commitment to contribute to national growth.
“I am contributing my own quota. 60% of Nigeria’s entire population is youth – that’s more than half of the country. If we fail to empower them with profitable and beneficial tech and vocational skills, then we are failing our nation,” he said.
The tech entrepreneur highlighted ongoing efforts at his academy to train young people in digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and vocational pathways that can create jobs and reduce poverty in the region.
Also lending his voice, Mr. Odetunde Stephen, the Zonal Public Relations Officer of NYCN Ogbomoso Zone, underscored that achieving the SDGs cannot be left to governments alone.
“Everyone has a role to play, no matter how little. From education, health, environment, to community service – youths must see themselves as active drivers of change, not passive beneficiaries,” he said.
The commemoration closed with a charge to young people in Ogbomoso and beyond to step up local initiatives that address unemployment, education gaps, climate change, and social challenges. With a population where the youth form the majority, the council reiterated that Nigeria’s future rests heavily on the actions, skills, and values embraced by its young citizens.
